@sekhet : I think there's a slight misunderstanding here. Truly, I'm NOT offended with your review. Like you said, you were giving me a constructive criticism. And it really helps me. After you've pointed out some things to me, I have made some overhaul on the coming plots to make this story even more realistic. Believe me, I'll know the difference when someone is positively criticizing me or giving me the flame. I truly appreciate you replying my message. After this, I will be not too down-to-earth when responding to anyone's review who is sincerely trying to help me improve my work. (I have this slight inferiority complex, if you must know). When I said my idea is not as bright as Tolkien, I was just stating the truth. Tolkien's theories and ideas are more complex, I could hardly best his. Heck! Nobody can! (He's amazing, don't you think? Where did he get his ideas from?) And my thanks to you is very genuine, not a sarcasm (is that what I think you thought it was?) No hard feelings, okay? And seriously, THANK YOU again.

And to the rest of the readers who are wondering what in Mordor is going on, keep on reading! I promise to give you more quality products to read now that some of you have come forward to give me fresh ideas, inspirations, constructive criticisms, or just simply being good friends.

For all that you have given me, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. As a present, I give you two chapters in one day. Here's the second one.

Enjoy.

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After the council, Lord Elrond found Legolas in one of the prince's favorite places when he came visiting Rivendell; the study hall. He was sitting on a window seat with an old tome on his lap that was not being read. He was staring outside towards the mountains while his mind was elsewhere.

The lord of Rivendell smiled when Legolas didn't acknowledge his entrance; either Legolas was ignoring him like Elrond's sons were ignoring the prince, or he was merely too absorbed in his own faraway world. "Legolas?"

Legolas flinched and instantly looked up. "Oh. My lord. Forgive me. I didn't know you were here." He turned to face Elrond and made a move to stand.

Elrond waved him down. "No. Don't rise, Legolas. I wish to talk with you." He sat down beside the prince. "So, you find the Hindorin's Theory of Radical Civilizations an interesting reading?"

Legolas frowned. "Whose theory of what?"

Elrond chuckled and indicated the large book still lying heavy on Legolas's lap. "That old book. I never finished reading it. Care to tell me what's it's all about?"

Legolas looked down and blushed. "Err…actually…I haven't been reading it. I was…well…"

The lord laughed out loud. "I was just kidding, Legolas. To tell you the truth, I found it quite boring. After only several pages, I would doze off to dreamland!"

Legolas smiled. "And I only got past half a page!"

"Let's get rid of this book for now, shall we?" Elrond lifted the tome and placed it on a side table nearby. "So, what were you thinking just now?"

The prince threw his glance out the window, gazing at the snow caped mountain of the Caradhras Pass, looking so majestic and powerful in the afternoon sun. "I was thinking about The Ring, and how Middle Earth would perish if we failed to destroy it. All these beautiful things would be no more, swallowed by the darkness of evil. We elves may escape to the Undying Land, but what of the men, the hobbits, the dwarves, the animals, the woods? Middle Earth would not survive if we let the Ring return to Sauron."

"We will not let that happen, Legolas. Trust me," Elrond said, putting one hand on Legolas's shoulder. "The council has come to a decision."

Legolas turned to face Elrond once more. "You've decided to destroy it?"

"Indeed. That's exactly what we have to do. It's the only way. But it will not be a simple task for the ring must be cast into the fire of Mount Doom, where it was made."

"Mount Doom? Ai Elbereth! How far it is from here! You're right, my lord. This task is not going to be easy. It could take weeks, maybe months, maybe even years!"

"Unfortunately, we do not have time in our hands. We must destroy the ring as quickly as possible before it overpowers its bearer's will…and hypnotizes the others."

"Its bearer? Do you mean Frodo?"

Elrond nodded. "He has volunteered to take the ring to Mount Doom."

Legolas shook his head in wonder. "But he's just a hobbit. The journey will be too hard on him."

"That's why I've appointed eight others to accompany him. One of them is Gandalf the wizard. He will be the guide and adviser. The three hobbits would not want to part with their friend so they'll go along as well. Several others will represent the Free People of the World; Gimli son of Gloin will represent the dwarves, Boromir will represent the race of men. And Estel…"

Legolas looked up at that, staring at Elrond intently. "Estel will also go?"

"Yes, dear Legolas. He has also volunteered. He feels that it is his responsibility to make amends of Isildur's weakness, and obtain his birthright as the king of Gondor in the end." Elrond gazed upon the prince's fair face fondly. "The one to represent the elves is yet to be decided, though."

"Then I'll be the one, my lord," Legolas said without hesitation. "I shall represent the elves."

"Legolas, Legolas," Elrond said as he smiled ruefully. "I know you would say exactly that. I have no doubt of your bravery and skill, and I admire your loyalty to Estel. But are you sure? Is this what you want to do?"

"Yes, my lord. I've vowed to protect Estel, so I shall be with him in this journey."

"Even when he's not speaking to you at present?"

Legolas looked down at his hands. "Even then. I didn't mean to break his trust, my lord. I was doing what I thought was right. He is my friend, and forever he will be, no matter how mad he is with me. If keeping him safe means that I have to endure the brunt of his anger, so be it. I want him to win the throne that is rightfully his. I just hope that freeing Gollum will not affect his mission in one way or another. I truly want him, and us, to succeed. I'll give my everything to see it happens."

"Once you venture into this journey, I can not assure that you will return. What of your betrothed, and your father? Are you willing to leave them? You might not see them again," Elrond said softly, knowing of Legolas's closeness with Thranduil and his love for Narasene.

Legolas smiled sadly. "I'm doing this not only for Estel, my lord. I'm also doing this for my father, Nara and Middle Earth. There is no point in living if I let the Dark Forces conquer us all while I stay behind and do nothing when I have the means to stop it."

Elrond stared deeply into Legolas's eyes. "How big is your heart, Legolas? You give it freely to everyone else…except yourself."

Legolas was taken aback by the unexpected question. "Why should I spare my heart for myself when part of me has already died many, many years ago?"

Now it was Elrond's turn to be surprised. Ai Elbereth! He is still not fully recovered after those great tragedies that had befallen him!  He still suffers, silently and very, very deeply! Elrond fought to control the expression on his face so that his shock won't show. "For your sake, I hope you'll find your lost soul during this journey, Legolas."

"I hope so too, my lord," Legolas said quietly. "I hope so too."

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Legolas sought Narasene out and found her in the attic, doing a painting. She was so engrossed in her work, biting her lips in pure concentration, that she was not aware of her beloved stepping close to her.

Silently, he came towards her from behind and slipped his arms around her slim waist. She jumped in surprise. "Legolas! You startled me!"

He smiled and began kissing her neck. She closed her eyes in pure bliss, leaning fully against him in full contentment. "So, the council is over?"

Legolas felt a little guilty for not seeing her directly after he had left the meeting. So, looking at the canvas on the easel, he asked instead, "What have we here? A portrait? Who is this ugly guy?"

She pouted. "Ugly? It's you, silly! I'm trying to paint you but…well, like you say, it is ugly. The color is all wrong!"

He laughed out loud. "The color is definitely wrong. I have golden hair, not orange! And I have a dimple on my right cheek, not a zit!"

Narasene turned and glared at him. "Well, are you going to just stand there and laugh at me, or are you going to teach me how it's really done?"

Still chuckling, Legolas picked up the easel and placed it in front of a full-length mirror. "Come here." He pulled Narasene back into his arms, her back resting firmly against his chest. "Your hand with the brush, please."

She complied, letting him take her hand and expertly guide it through every stroke and dab of paint. Everyone knew that Legolas was incredibly talented with paints and brushes. Mirkwood halls and galleries were filled with his brilliant masterpieces. Narasene was so delighted to become his first pupil that she couldn't stop smiling like a fool.

Legolas would glance at the mirror once in a while to confirm the contours and coloring of his own features as he made the adjustment on Narasene's painting. Then, he added something more; Narasene being held firmly in his arms…just like the image shown in the mirror.

"Oh, Legolas. It's so wonderful!" she sighed in pleasure after Legolas had finished and put away the brushes and paint. "Now I have a painting of you for company when you're not with me!"

Legolas's smile faltered. He slipped his arms around Narasenne's waist once more, pulling her close to him. She kept staring at the painting in happiness and wonder, while he gazed forlornly at their reflection in the mirror.

"Nara, the council has come to a decision," he said. "The Ring must be destroyed. Nine Walkers have been appointed to journey to Mount Doom to cast it into the fiery chasm."

"Oh?" She cocked her head to one side and looked up, and saw the solemn expression on his face and the sadness in his eyes, staring back at her. Then she knew. He was also going. "Oh."

They kept on staring at each other's reflection for a long moment, unable to speak for fear of breaking down. Legolas took a deep breath and spoke, "I don't know when I'll be coming back, or if I will be coming back…"

She whirled around and cupped his cheeks with both palms. "You will come back! I know you will!" She was near tears now. "Go, my love. Fight for the light. Do not let the darkness win. Just promise me one thing; return to me!"

Return to me. Those were the same words Thranduil had spoken on the day of Legolas's departure. How correct his father had been! Oh, father. I will not be seeing you for a long time. Valar help me!

He took off the royal signet ring he wore on his third finger, unclasped the gold chain she was wearing around her neck, and slipped the chain through the ring. "Keep this for me," he said, putting the chain back on her. "I want it when I get back."

Hugging her close, he whispered. "I'll return for it, my love. I'll return for you."

TBC…

Still no cliffie. Where is that darn cliff, I wonder?